KCCI Poll: Iowans Back Same-Sex Marriage

Survey Also Finds Strong Support For Medical Marijuana

UPDATED 9:12 AM CDT Jun 07, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa -

In the past 14 months, the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages and the Iowa Board of Pharmacy recommended that the state legalize medical marijuana. Now, a new NewsChannel 8 poll shows that a majority of Iowans support both ideas.

The survey found that 53 percent of those polled said they favor marriage rights for same-sex couples and that 41 percent are opposed.

Opponents of same-sex marriage put candidates on notice this week, delivering a petition to the statehouse that they said makes clear that the issue will be on the minds of voters.

"When folks go to the polls next week and then in November, they will in fact support candidates who understand their Constitution and who will defend marriage," said Bryan English of the Iowa Family Policy Center.

He said he feels that the NewsChannel 8 poll results don't accurately reflect the feelings of most Iowans.

Justin Uebelhor of the group One Iowa said he thinks a majority of Iowans have bigger concerns.

"Iowans want their elected officials to focus on issues like jobs and education and really, those pocketbook issues, rather than focusing on divisive issues that are going to pit neighbor against neighbor," Uebelhor said.

On the issue of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, 62 percent of those polled said they support making it legal. The poll found that 33 percent of respondents said they opposed the idea and 5 percent were unsure.

"I don't think it's any more hazardous or dangerous than any other medication, if it's used properly," said Iowan Bob Lipert, who said he suffers from multiple sclerosis. He said marijuana has a benefit for people suffering from chronic pain and illnesses.

Other people look to states where medicinal marijuana is legal and said they don't want that in Iowa.

"If there is no licensing required, who knows what might be sold and how easy it might be able to procure?" said Jan Beran.

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